Isn't it funny how the commercials (at least the few that I've seen) center around Seth, and yet he's not the main character on the show? They're pretty much admitting with the advert that the central guy isn't interesting enough to grab your attention... so why the heck would he be "The Main Guy"? Just because he's "normal", are we supposed to identify and connect with him more?

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER suffers from the same syndrome. The titular "I" is the least interesting person on the show. Ally, the drummer guy from FREAKS & GEEKS, Dougie, and even Robin the Broadcaster are so much more entertaining than Mr. "Oh, I want to find somebody so bad, I think I'll just complain about it constantly, safe in the knowledge that no one will kill me because I grow up to become Bob Saget voice and bore 2 kids with whiny stories in the wrap-around segments." Seriously, every week that the other characters continue to hang around with him pushes the show further (farther?) into the fantasy genre.

But I keep watching it because you gots to support your peeps, and anything that isn't reality TV.

(And "Hi" from another new Christmas poster...)

mr_shemp | January 05, 17:55 CET

You've also gotta add the factor that Seth Green is well known in the TV scene. I've never heard of the other cast members. I hope it does well though... mostly because I wanna be able to catch Seth every week.

LmR | January 05, 18:02 CET

Josh Cooke, "The Main Guy" in "4 Kings," starred in "Committed" (which sucked!), which co-starred Jennifer Finnigan, who stars in "Close to Home," which co-stars Christian Kane...six degrees of Buffyverse. ;-) Aside from this link in the BtVS chain, Mr. Cooke does not have a lot going on. Yeah, totally like the "I" in HIMYM.

billz | January 05, 18:51 CET

Merged Herc's review commentary with this link.

SoddingNancyTribe | January 05, 20:07 CET

Seth was on Conan last night, and was just so cute and funny. The story of stealing the babies was just so him! I love him, will be watching tonight!

Harmalicious | January 05, 21:17 CET

Was I the only person on the planet who actually liked 'Committed'? Seriously, I was upset when they cancelled it. Plus, Jennifer Finnigan is really good as a comedic actress. So, while I will watch 'Four Kings' for Seth, I'll definitely be watching for Josh too. He's a funny guy. I have hope for this show.

(sorry if I sounded like I was being all grrr about 'Committed', it's just I haven't heard anyone else who actually watched it. Which is probably why it got cancelled. *sigh*)

I enjoy watching Ted in HIMYM. He seems like a sweet guy, I don't know why people don't like him.

Danica | January 05, 22:02 CET

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER suffers from the same syndrome. The titular "I" is the least interesting person on the show.

I think most TV shows suffer that curse - the main character is often the least interesting because they usually need to be the viewers' entry into the series; thus they are "normal", ie. bland.

Buffy and Angel weren't always the most interesting characters on their respective series, but arguably they came out the most rounded and complex in the end.

crossoverman | January 06, 03:06 CET

Considering "Will and Grace" is probably the worst show on television, I can't trust this guy's opinion.

TheZeppo | January 06, 07:53 CET

TheZeppo, I didn't like the one episode of Will and Grace I saw, either. But Bianco is a big Whedon supporter, so I wouldn't harsh on his taste. He's a television critic, and has to write about the relative merits of many things I don't envy him for having to watch.

dreamlogic | January 06, 12:04 CET

Danica: I think for me, Ted reminds me too much of an earlier version of myself - nebbish, looking for Ms. Perfect, obsessive complusive, and terrified to be alone. I want to reach thru the TV, grab his shoulders and say "Dude, quit trying so hard! You look desperate!"

Of course, that could be exactly the effect the writers are going for. Well played, writers. Now, give Ted some family members or a pet or just something to get him to stop thinking about himself! And give Jason Segal more to do!

Keith G: You are correct in your analysis of "main characteritis". I guess the theory is that The Never Changing Still Center That Everyone Else Turns Around makes for a better sitcom or something, because year after year, the characters never seem to evolve or grow. Makes it easier for syndication too. Probably why I prefer drama shows over comedy, and especially shows by this Whedon guy.

TheZeppo: Coming after "Will and Grace" made "Four Kings" look like the best thing since fried met rice. It's gonna run foreva.

Naw, it was just okay, but I'm willing to cut "Kings" some slack. Sometimes it takes a while for a sitcom to find it's groove. "Hope and Faith" just needs a couple more seasons - I can feel it!

mr_shemp | January 06, 15:50 CET

Considering "Will and Grace" is probably the worst show on television, I can't trust this guy's opinion.

Will & Grace's glory years are behind them by a few years. But even now it's not the worst show on television. And Seth Green's guest spot last season was a highlight of that episode, not surprisingly :-)

crossoverman | January 06, 15:50 CET

I *knew* I recognized the main guy from somewhere. I loved that show. Jennifer Finnigan is so much more enjoyable when she does comedy. They were "wacky", and it was funny! Now I miss it again. I guess there's no more hope the show is coming back?

I saw Four Kings last night. There were a few laughs, but everything was so staged, especially the grandma stuff. I'll probably give it one more chance, because it airs after Will & Grace (the singing was funny, though I really wish they would lay off the live episodes).

[ edited by Colors on 2006-01-06 20:01 ]

Colors | January 06, 22:01 CET

They've only done one live Will & Grace episode, there's another one next week but I'd assume it will be the last, I liked the last one. It's not a bad show, but it's definitely time for it to end.

Haven't watched Four Kings haven't read anything that makes me really want to see it. Would be a bit much for NBC to expect 3 critically adored shows to come along in 1 season (other two being The Office (which has really gotten better and better this year), and My Name Is Earl) I wouldn't be surprised if Four Kings is cancelled around the Winter Olympics, and the currently on an extended break Joey to take it's slot. Or they could do what they should have done for years and move Scrubs to Thursday.

Ghost Spike | January 07, 01:26 CET